Through Christmas Eve, The Garden Island will share daily stories about people (we don’t use their real names) facing challenges and who would appreciate a little help through The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund.
Brooke is one such person.
The 71-year-old is trying hard to make it independently. She lives alone with the help of her niece. She is a very trusting woman who is caring and giving. What she would really appreciate is help with buying food and clothes, and a bonus would be supplies for her hobbies that include arts and crafts.
Another person who could use your help is Deborah. The 64-year-old has a developmental disability and lives at home with her brother. She has little extra money to use for the things she enjoys, such as gardening.
And finally, there is Carrie. The 51-year-old lives in Hanamaulu with her son and his family. She works at a resort at a dishwasher and has a companion worker who helps on her goals to increase her independence. However, her work hours are inconsistent, which makes it difficult for her to budget and pay bills. Money to buy food is her top need.
These are a few of the 400 families who filled out applications seeking assistance from The Garden Island/Zonta Christmas Fund, which was established in the early 1980s.
In the past two years, the fund has raised more than $50,000, and every dollar has gone toward bringing joy to those who otherwise would likely go without anything on Christmas.
This program is headed up by Dimples Kano, 93, who has led it for nearly two decades and refuses to retire because she loves the happiness it brings to others.
That’s where you come in.
Donations to the Christmas Fund are used by Zonta Club members to purchase local gift certificates that are in turn distributed to families in December. Each donated dollar is accounted for and carefully recorded.There are no administrators collecting salaries.
If you hold a fundraiser for the Christmas Fund, let us know and we’ll spread the word. Anyone making a donation of $50 or more may have their picture presenting the check published in TGI.
A benefit performance for the TGI/Zonta Club Christmas Fund is set 4 p.m. Dec. 8. “Dances in December” will be at Lihue Parish Hall, 4340 Nawiliwili Road. Kauai Dance Theatre’s winter student showcase, a family-friendly 30-minute presentation of novelty dance, classical and contemporary ballet, will entertain all ages.
Donations at the door, $5, will help our less-fortunate community members have a brighter holiday season.
Info: www.KauaiDanceTheatre.com or contact Director Janie Crane at 332-9737.
Checks, payable to Zonta Club of Kauai Foundation, can be mailed to P.O. Box 3032, Lihue, HI 96766. For further information, call Dimples Kano at 822-4517.
What is up? Need a little help. What happened? So much for politics showing their Aloha Spirit. May be some thing will come up. We’re all in need of some things. Like a part time job or some food stamps. Wouldn’t it be nice to make a few extra dollars along the way.